Best Automation Town Podcasts (2025)

1
Are You Better Off Drunk or Sober? | Ep. 078 17:26

4d ago17:26

17:26

What’s up with the sober-curious trend? And how does it impact business, the economy, and life? In this episode of King Moves, Ethan and Justin unpack the rising tide of sober curiosity and what it says about our evolving relationship with alcohol, identity, and connection. From wine country tours to mocktail menus and Heineken Zero at the braai, t…

1
Paw Payroll 1:09:57

5d ago1:09:57

1:09:57

Scott, Hayes, and Alissa dive into the budget fallout: how positions were eliminated, which departments are getting funded, and why LA’s liability payouts are so much higher now. 100 days out from the fires, LA hits major recovery milestones. And former LA County sheriff Alex Villanueva is evaluated for emotional distress. The mayor’s budget summar…

1
Google Ads Exclusive with Ginny Marvin, Ads Product Liaison | PPC TH 112 52:33

9d ago52:33

52:33

Watch the video version: https://youtu.be/oO0962bWLZw Get the inside scoop on Google Ads directly from Ginny Marvin, the Google Ads Product Liaison.In this exclusive interview hosted by Navah Hopkins, Ginny shares what’s changing in the world of paid search — from Performance Max updates and ad rank mechanics to landing page experience, creative op…

1
Skipping These Vitamins Could Be Costing You Everything | Ep. 077 15:41

11d ago15:41

15:41

Make sure you take care of you first. In this energizing conversation, Ethan and Justin King break down the concept of "daily vitamins" — not just supplements, but the essential personal habits that keep you mentally, emotionally, and physically strong. Inspired by a Jesse Itzler newsletter, they share their own non-negotiables for feeling alive an…

1
Planes, Trains, and Automated People Movers 53:36

12d ago53:36

53:36

Alissa and Mike are joined by guest co-host Oscar Zarate, director of external affairs at CHIRLA, to discuss how workers are mobilizing for immigrant rights on May Day. The Real ID deadline is on May 7, creating another barrier to travel in Trump’s America. And the first phase of LAX’s long-awaited rail connection has an opening date, while Inglewo…

1
The LA Shitty Budget 57:45

17d ago57:45

57:45

Alissa, Mike, Godfrey, and Rachel watch LA Mayor Karen Bass’s State of the City address and discuss why a speech that was hyped as a "fundamental overhaul of city government" didn’t deliver on that promise. And a first look at the city’s budget includes major layoffs and department cuts to cover a billion-dollar funding gap. Check out Bass’s propos…

1
Is "Do Hard Things" Overrated or Underrated Advice? | Ep. 076 24:10

18d ago24:10

24:10

What if doing something hard is the only way to truly find you? In this episode, Justin King redefines what it means to “do hard things.” After running ten marathons in ten days, he’s not preaching pain for pain’s sake—but instead unpacking the mindset that transforms struggle into self-awareness. This isn't about proving you're the toughest in the…

1
The Tariff Crisis: Survival Tips and Advice for Advertisers (Part 2) | PPC TH 111 31:00

24d ago31:00

31:00

Watch the video version here: https://youtu.be/x_jQeZP04Ck The 2025 trade war is here, and advertisers are feeling the heat. In this special PPC Town Hall, Frederick Vallaeys speaks with economics-savvy marketer Sam Tomlinson to explain how the escalating U.S.-China tariff war is shaking up the ad world. Follow Sam: https://www.linkedin.com/in/digi…

1
The One Mindset Shift That Turns Envy Into Inspiration | Ep. 075 10:57

25d ago10:57

10:57

Do you feel a twinge of jealousy when someone else wins? How can you channel that into something beneficial? In this episode of King Moves, Ethan and Justin explore a word you’ve probably never heard—Mudita—and how it could be the missing link between frustration and freedom. They unpack why your ego flinches when others succeed and how a hidden mi…

1
There's a New Tariff in Town 55:30

25d ago55:30

55:30

Alissa, Mike, and Rachel talk about how the Trump administration is attempting to stoke fear and uncertainty at the port, schools, and cultural organizations — and how some local institutions are resisting. Plus: LA28 is getting challenged on Olympics venues, and LA’s budget-busting $2.2 billion convention center expansion lives to see another day.…

1
The Tariff Crisis: PPC Survival Tips and Advice from Top Experts | PPC TH 110 46:07

29d ago46:07

46:07

Video version: https://youtu.be/ggbpS5rLIzE The 2025 trade war is here, and advertisers are feeling the heat. In this special PPC Town Hall, Navah Hopkins speaks with Duane Brown (Take Some Risk) and Casey Gill (Web Savvy) about the ripple effects of tariffs on Google Ads, Meta, Microsoft, and Amazon.From shrinking margins to campaign testing strat…

1
When Is It Time for You to Rebrand? | Ep. 074 15:10

1M ago15:10

15:10

What do Amazon, Pepsi, and Google have in common? They all had terrible original names—and changed them. In this episode of King Moves, Ethan and Justin pull back the curtain on their own name change, from Kingspiration to King Moves, and unpack the real reasons behind rebranding. It’s not about hype. It’s about alignment. From corporate giants to …

1
All Is Not LAHSA 1:03:40

1M ago1:03:40

1:03:40

Hayes, Alissa, and Mike are joined by guest co-host Carla Hall, former Los Angeles Times editorial board member, to discuss LA County’s dramatic decision to pull funding from the LA Homeless Services Authority. Plus County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath is making big moves in a role known for anything but. And a discussion about the future of the LA Ti…

1
Don't Burn Out Before Your Breakthrough | Ep. 073 12:14

1M ago12:14

12:14

Are you grinding so hard that you’re sabotaging your own success? In this powerful episode of King Moves, Justin shares the mental and physical lessons behind running 10 marathons in 10 days—and why pushing to your limit every day is the wrong move. Ethan draws the parallel to business, where most leaders are stuck redlining, mistaking constant hus…

1
A Delete Unknown 50:24

1M ago50:24

50:24

Alissa, Mike, and Rachel discuss proposed changes to LA city’s slur-strewn public comment process. Karen Bass found her deleted text messages sent during the fires, but what conversations are we still missing? And Metro advances an incomplete street for Vermont Avenue. LA Times: "LA City Council seeks crackdown on the N-word and C-word at meetings”…

1
Why Your PPC Reports Are Misleading You | PPC TH 109 51:17

1M ago51:17

51:17

Watch the video version: https://youtu.be/BKsG1dvPx_Q Is your PPC reporting holding you back? In this episode of PPC Town Hall, we uncover how bad attribution models, GA4 issues, and ignored conversion lag can lead to misleading data and lost profit. Learn how to upgrade your reports to power smarter decisions and better ad performance.Follow Scott…

1
Should You Drop $200 a Month on ChatGPT Pro? | Ep. 072 11:30

2M ago11:30

11:30

Is spending $200 a month on AI a bold business move—or just throwing money at shiny tech? One of the hosts did it. And in this episode, he shares why—and what happened next. From booking flights on autopilot to creating personalized content at scale, ChatGPT Pro’s “Operator” tool is pushing the limits of what AI can do for you. But here's the catch…

1
We’re Not Gavin It 43:26

2M ago43:26

43:26

Alissa, Godfrey, and Rachel gather on the first day of spring to try and figure out what the hell Gavin Newsom is doing with his new MAGA-platforming podcast. Plus, new LA County District Attorney Nathan Hochman won’t resentence the Menendez brothers until they apologize for "all the lies that they have told.” And some real estate influencers want …

1
These Hidden Addictions Are Holding You Back at Work | Ep. 071 17:31

2M ago17:31

17:31

Do you ever feel like there’s just never enough time? That no matter how hard you push, your schedule stays full, and your to-do list never ends? What if the problem isn’t time—but hidden addictions running your work life? In this episode of King Moves, Ethan and Justin expose the five biggest workplace addictions that keep entrepreneurs and leader…

1
You Audit Know 1:14:41

2M ago1:14:41

1:14:41

Scott, Hayes, and Alissa look back on how the pandemic has changed LA, five years later. Then, a scathing audit of homelessness services at the city and LAHSA, a famous content creator’s burglary raises questions about LAPD response rates, and the brazenness of Huntington Park’s corruption scandal, "Operation Dirty Pond." Listen to the March 16, 20…

1
PMax, First-Party Data, AI, and More: How to Win at PPC in 2025 | PPC TH 108 45:24

2M ago45:24

45:24

Watch the video version: https://youtu.be/lQ2DkGGfJTU In this episode of PPC Town Hall, host Frederick Vallaeys sits down with Josh Baines from Adthena to discuss the seismic shifts happening in the PPC industry. From AI-powered automation to the changing role of manual bidding, this episode dives deep into how advertisers can stay in control while…

1
The No B.S. Ten Commandments of Marketing, Part 2 | Ep. 070 19:26

2M ago19:26

19:26

Are you ignoring the most profitable marketing strategies? Most businesses waste money on marketing without realizing it. They focus on getting attention but fail to convert that attention into actual sales. In this episode of King Moves, Ethan and Justin continue breaking down Dan Kennedy’s 10 Rules for Direct Response Marketing—covering the final…

1
The Fired Next Time 47:56

2M ago47:56

47:56

Alissa, Rachel, and Mike recap former LAFD chief Kristin Crowley’s failed attempt to appeal her firing and discuss the political repercussions from the fire union, UFLAC. LA Mayor Karen Bass faces a recall campaign. And revenue shortfalls are forecast for LA, meaning leaders will have to take action to address the city’s park funding crisis. Crowle…

1
The No B.S. Ten Commandments of Marketing, Part 1 | Ep. 069 14:27

2M ago14:27

14:27

Are you wasting marketing dollars? More than likely, yes. Many small businesses fall into the trap of brand awareness marketing, throwing dollars at campaigns without knowing if they work. But what if there’s a better way? In this episode, Ethan and Justin break down Dan Kennedy’s hard-hitting approach to Direct Response Marketing—where every ad, e…

1
Crowley Control 56:00

2M ago56:00

56:00

Hayes, Rachel, Mike, and LA Pod producer Sophie Bridges discuss the ongoing political soap opera over the firing of LAFD Chief Kristin Crowley and lament that deeper questions are getting lost amid the drama. Plus, a big victory for LA County tenants, and more evidence of racism in the LAPD. Mayor Karen Bass fired LAFD Chief Kristin Crowley, then C…

1
AI Can’t Fix Your Bad Feeds Alone—Here’s Why You Still Matter! | PPC TH 107 46:41

2M ago46:41

46:41

Watch the video version here: https://youtu.be/c_6Wht__TVk In this episode I sit down with Jacques van der Wilt, the founder of DataFeedWatch, to discuss the massive transformation AI is bringing to product data feeds and ecommerce advertising.🔍 Key Topics Covered:✅ How AI is reshaping data feed optimization✅ The evolution of Google Shopping, Perpl…

1
You Are Stronger Than You Think: Lessons from 10 Marathons in 10 Days | Ep. 068 18:41

2M ago18:41

18:41

Have you ever felt like giving up when the going gets tough? What if the key to success was simply learning to outlast the discomfort? In this episode of King Moves, Justin King shares his life-changing experience of running 10 marathons in 10 days across South Africa. Battling searing heat, aching knees, and long, desolate roads, he uncovered powe…

1
Elon-fire of the Vanities 41:36

2M ago41:36

41:36

Alissa, Hayes, and David discuss the local impacts of Elon Musk’s federal government takeover and reminisce about how he got his start right here in LA. And how other local billionaires are sucking up to Musk, including the one who owns the Los Angeles Times. Plus, new air and water quality testing results. Please fill out the LA Podcast listener s…

1
How to Use AI to Be a Better Leader | Ep. 067 9:09

3M ago9:09

9:09

AI is Changing Leadership—Are You Evolving or Getting Exposed? AI isn’t just another tool—it’s a leadership game-changer. But here’s the real question: Is AI making you a more effective leader, or is it exposing where you fall short? In this episode, Ethan and Justin break down the real impact of AI on leadership, from enhancing communication and d…

1
Shoup Hug 42:21

3M ago42:21

42:21

Alissa, Mike, and Godfrey discuss yet another new LA rebuilding effort focused on climate — and why this one could be different. Plus, California becomes even more uninsurable, and city leaders are colluding to stop affordable housing in Venice. And remembering Donald Shoup, the UCLA professor who changed the way LA looked at parking. UCLA’s new Bl…

1
PPC in 2025: What to Stop, Start & Double Down On | PPC TH 106 1:00:39

3M ago1:00:39

1:00:39

Watch the video version here: https://youtu.be/fl_cqCKVI7g In this must-watch episode, PPC experts Andrew Lolk and Julie Bacchini Friedman talk about what PPC advertisers should STOP doing, START doing, and DOUBLE DOWN on in 2025.🔍 Topics Covered:✅ The biggest PPC mistakes to avoid in 2025✅ Why SKAGs and last-click attribution are outdated✅ Smart b…

1
Sex, Status, and Sales: What Energy Drinks Teach You About Branding | Ep. 066 13:51

3M ago13:51

13:51

💡 If you want to make your brand unforgettable, you need to hear this. Energy drinks don’t just sell caffeine—they sell power, confidence, and status. People don’t just drink them; they use them to signal something about themselves. And that’s exactly what great branding does. In this episode of King Moves, Ethan and Justin break down the billion-d…

1
Ricky Business 54:04

3M ago54:04

54:04

Alissa, Rachel, and Godfrey talk about the protests that are drawing attention to Trump’s mass deportation policies when California’s elected officials are not. Then: Rick Caruso launches his nonprofit, Steadfast LA, into a field that grows more crowded each day, and how Mayor Karen Bass should be thinking about rebuilding LA City infrastructure. D…

1
Price Psychology: How To Build Customer Loyalty in Challenging Times | Ep. 065 16:20

3M ago16:20

16:20

Think lowering your prices will win customer loyalty? Think again. Businesses everywhere struggle with the same dilemma—how do you keep quality high without scaring off price-sensitive customers? In this episode, Ethan and Justin rip apart the myth that lower prices equal more loyalty. They reveal why some companies shrink portions instead of raisi…

1
Fed Flag Warning 1:02:00

3M ago1:02:00

1:02:00

Alissa, Mike, and Hayes ask the big questions: is the fire department underfunded, who is really in charge of LA’s recovery, which electeds are taking all the blame, and why? Plus, emergency tenant protections are once again shelved by LA City Council. Hayes’s Big City Heat story: “The question no one is going on TV about” "24 hours that changed Lo…

1
Practical Advice on How to Actually Make Smart Bidding Work for You | PPC TH 105 54:57

3M ago54:57

54:57

Watch the video version here: https://youtu.be/yrOm2_q5E_I 🔑 Key Takeaways:1️⃣ Google's Machine Learning Needs Data:At least 30 conversions per campaign per 30 days for effective smart bidding.If you're not hitting this number, soft conversions (engaged visitors, add-to-cart actions, etc.) can help train the algorithm.2️⃣ Keywords Are Less Predicta…

1
7. What is it like in your brain when you have hobbies? 24:50

3M ago24:50

24:50

In which I try to figure out: Why do some hobbies stay and some hobbies go?? Will I stick with podcasting? What is my thing actually??? Why am I not immediately amazing at something when I do it for the first time what a scam??? :D --- Are you, like me, a person of many hobbies? Or are you the mythical (to me) kind of person who has one thing that …

1
Generative Search Is Disrupting Google Ads: What Marketers Need to Know | PPC TH 104 45:27

3M ago45:27

45:27

Watch the video version here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ScSnLk9XC2M In this episode, Frederick Vallaeys spoke to Greg Finn and Christine "Shep" Zernheld, hosts of Marketing O'Clock, one of the top digital marketing news shows. Together, we discuss the latest trends in PPC, Google's evolving strategies, and the role of generative AI in reshapi…

1
Bold Predictions That Will Impact You in 2025 and Beyond | Ep. 064 24:09

3M ago24:09

24:09

Are you ready for the sweeping changes coming in 2025? In this thought-provoking episode, Ethan King and Justin King share bold predictions for how AI, hybrid work, and evolving business models will shape our lives and industries. They explore the rise of AI-powered micropreneurs, the balance between automation and human authenticity, and the role …

1
What’s Stopping You From Sharing Your Greatness? | Ep. 063 12:10

4M ago12:10

12:10

Are you holding back your story—and denying others the inspiration they need? In this episode, Justin King unveils his ambitious plan to celebrate his 40th birthday by running 10 marathons in 10 days along South Africa's breathtaking coastline. Inspired by the concept of Misogi—a ritual turned philosophy about tackling one impossible challenge each…

1
Literal Emergency Episode: The LA Fires 1:22:59

4M ago1:22:59

1:22:59

On January 8, 2025, Angelenos woke up to a city that had been irrevocably transformed overnight. On a special live show recorded on Zoom, Alissa, Mike, and Rachel discuss the fires, the city and county response, and where LA goes next. Also joining: Eater LA reporter Mona Holmes on Altadena, Hayes on housing, and Public Counsel’s Faizah Malik on em…

1
How To Escape The Prison You Built For Yourself | Ep. 062 12:18

4M ago12:18

12:18

What’s keeping you from the life you truly desire? In this eye-opening episode of Kingspiration, Ethan and Justin dive into the idea of "lifestyle capture"—the subtle trap of maintaining what you’ve built at the expense of chasing new dreams. Inspired by a listener’s comment, the hosts explore the tension between ambition and gratitude, fear and fr…

1
6. What's it like in your brain at the start of the new year? 34:38

4M ago34:38

34:38

What if resolutions could be fun meets any excuse for a new notebook meets HAPPY NEW YEAR!! In this first episode of 2025: We explore: is the new year’s hype-to-failed-resolution cycle inevitable? We experiment: what if we reframed resolutions this year, and instead declaredthought thoigjtthink what we want more of? ain!!!, mother naturmorfeiendshi…

1
Are We Living In a Simulation? Why My ChatGPT Says "Yes" | Ep. 061 15:31

4M ago15:31

15:31

What if everything you know about reality is just a game? In this captivating episode, Ethan and Justin take you on a journey through the astonishing future of AI, virtual reality, and the nature of consciousness. Starting with a playful conversation about retro video games, they dive into the mind-bending possibilities of thought-controlled univer…

1
Could Moving to Another Country Be Your King Move? | Ep. 060 12:30

4M ago12:30

12:30

What kind of life do you want to build in the year ahead? In this special New Year’s Eve episode, Ethan King and Justin King challenge you to think beyond the familiar—whether you’re dreaming of a new country or committed to staying right where you are. Would you leave your home for a fresh start, or is there a way to create your dream life right w…

1
Bad Op-Edicine 55:30

4M ago55:30

55:30

It’s the final episode of 2024! Scott, Alissa, Rachel, and Mike discuss the biggest (or most under-reported) stories of the year including the implosion of local media, trust in elected officials, 2028 Olympics leadership, and the breakdown of LA City services. Plus, the co-hosts make some predictions for 2025 and beyond. Take Mike’s local media su…

1
5. What's it like in your brain when Santa Claus is coming to town? 14:03

4M ago14:03

14:03

Santa Claus: fond childhood memory? Or trust issues origin story? In this holiday special (holiday special???) of Headtime Stories, we turn back the clock and explore Baby Mikli’s fraught relationship with Jolly Old St. Nick himself. Inside this episode we take a closer look at how skeptical I was of him growing up: Exhibit A: The Cookie Test (0:53…

1
What a $700 Wooden Bowl Teaches You About Marketing | Ep. 059 12:48

5M ago12:48

12:48

Could a $700 mixing bowl transform how you market your business? Ethan and Justin break down the psychology behind status symbols, from a walnut mixing bowl that’s more art than utility to luxury apps and historical oddities like $5,000 pineapples. They reveal how smart business owners can apply these lessons to create products and services that cu…

1
Old School PPC vs. PPC in the Era of Automation and Generative AI | PPC TH 103 39:18

5M ago39:18

39:18

Watch the video version here: https://youtu.be/X-1iGyBtS70 Generative AI is transforming PPC, but is it all good? In this episode, Sophie Fell, Director of Paid Media at Two Trees PPC, talks about the seismic shifts AI is causing in paid search. A generative AI skeptic herself, Sophie dives deep into her mixed feelings about tools like ChatGPT, dis…

1
The Secret to Expanding Your Comfort Zone—and Your Life | Ep. 058 20:29

5M ago20:29

20:29

"Do one thing every day that scares you." — Eleanor Roosevelt Are you coasting through life, too scared to take a risk? In this episode, Ethan and Justin challenge the very idea of “playing it safe.” Ethan recounts his terrifying experience walking the edge of the CN Tower, a powerful reminder that growth only happens when you face discomfort head-…

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